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Pollution Prevention Tips

We have compiled a list of tips to help prevent pollution in the Rouge River.

1.  Maintaining lawns and gardens
     Keep fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides off paved
     surfaces and out of drainage paths. When choosing a
     fertilizer, select a slow-release formula.  Click here for more
     information on maintaining lawn and gardens to reduce pollution.

2.  Winter snow removal tips
     Road salt can be harmful to the river, plants and
     animals. Click here for river friendly snow and ice
     removal tips.

3.  Landscape with native plants/avoid invasive plants
     Native plants save time and money. Click here for more information
     on the use of native plants and avoiding invasive plants.

4.  Washing your automobile
     Direct polluted wash water away from streets and storm
     drains. Wash your car on your lawn or better--go to a
     car wash.

5.  Repairing your Automobile
     Repair vehicles only in areas where leaks and spills
     cannot flow toward storm drains, or better--take it to a
     mechanic.

6.  Caring for pets and other animals
     Clean up animal waste before it rains. Throw it in the
     trash or flush it down the toilet.

7.  Disconnecting /Redirecting Downspouts
     Disconnect downspouts from sewer systems. Direct
     them into a vegetated area away from building
     foundations.

8.  Cleaning up spills and leaks
     Do not use your hose as a broom. Do not wash or
     sweep debris, spilled or leaked materials into storm
     drain.

9.  Managing household hazardous waste
     Properly dispose of household hazardous waste and
     call your local community to find out if they have a
     collection day. Use non-toxic alternatives when
     possible. Click here for more information about
     household hazardous waste.

10.  Installing and repairing plumbing
      Connect plumbing in your home to the sanitary sewer
      only, not to the storm drains.

11. Installing driveways, walkways and patios
      Use paving materials that are porous and/or sloped
      toward vegetated areas.

12. Maintaining septic systems
      Operate, maintain and clean septic systems properly.
      Hook up to a sanitary sewer where available.  Click here for more
      information.

13. Travel Trailer Waste
      Protect the environment while you enjoy it! Make sure
      you dispose of waste properly and take it a disposal
      facility. Empty your tanks before you leave each
      campground/resort. Do NOT dump the waste into a
      storm drain! The following facilities accept recreation
      vehicle waste in this area:

  • Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant:
    9300 West Jefferson, Detroit
     
  • SE Oakland County:
    29132 Stephenson Highway, Madison Heights
     
  • A & S RV Center Inc.:
    2375 Opdyke, Auburn Hills
     

14. Fats, Oil and Grease
      Referred to as FOG, Fats, Oil and Grease in sewer pipes can
      create pollution problems for the Rouge River.  Click here to learn
      more.

15. Find out More
      Are you interested in more information regarding water pollution and
      the streams, creeks and rivers of your community? Contact these
      local watershed organizations:

For more information on preventing pollution to the Rouge River, call the Rouge Information Line at (888) 223-2363 or visit our web site at www.rougeriver.com